John Stanmeyer, USA, VII for National Geographic
The preeminent photojournalist contest, now in its 57th year, reviewed more than 98,000 images from nearly 6,000 photographers, representing 132 nationalities.
Photographers compete in one of nine categories, including general news, spot news, contemporary issues, daily life, people (observed portraits, staged portraits), nature, and sports (sports action, sports feature).
We are featuring a selection of the winners with the prizes noted below each pictures. You can see the rest at World Press Photo's website.
Be warned that some of the pictures show disturbing images, including dead bodies and violence.